Choosing A Sink Material

We have discussed sink placement in the kitchen and compared sink designs to help you make the right decisions for your kitchen. Now it's time to go over the choices you have when it comes to materials. This decision is both practical and aesthetic. You may not use your oven or dishwasher everyday, but is there ever a day you don't use your sink? It is the heavy-duty fixture in your kitchen that gets the most traffic and wear. For this reason, the material is more important than the manufacturer.* Below we discuss the common materials available for kitchen sinks.

Stainless Steel Stainless steel is the most common material for residential and commercial kitchen sinks thanks to its durability, ease of cleaning, and affordability. Built to last, this material is both heat and stain resistant and handles damage from impacts very well. It can be susceptible to scratches and watermarks so they need to be cleaned often to keep their luster.

Cast Iron Another popular choice, enamel over cast iron sinks offer durability similar to stainless steel. They are heat and stain resistant with a glass-like finish that makes them easy to clean. They also don't chip, crack, or burn. Cast iron sinks are stylish in various shapes and colors but are very heavy so it's important to have strong cabinets to hold their weight.

Solid Surface One great advantage to solid surface sinks is their ability to be seamlessly integrated into solid surface countertops. That means no crevices where bacteria or grime develop so it's even easier to clean. While this material is heat resistant, some solid surfaces can show scratches so it's important to test out samples before installation.

Quartz If you install quartz countertops, you are usually given the option to choose a quartz sink. Quartz sinks are highly durable and resistant to daily cuts, scuffs, and dents. This material comes in a variety of colors though darker quartz tend to show scratches more easily than lighter colors.

Fireclay Fireclay sinks are made from clay fired at extremely high temperatures to create a durable, long-lasting material. They are resistant to heat, scratches, and chipping, and come in a variety of colors. They are perfect for all-white kitchens since they don't fade or stain. These low maintenance sinks are also resistant to bacteria and easy to clean.

Copper Copper sinks are not only full of charm, they have anti-microbial properties that kill bacteria and viruses associated with food preparation. Since these sinks are handcrafted, each on is unique. This material does not handle harsh chemicals well so it's important to use mild soap and a sponge for cleanup. They are beautifully when matched the natural stones, such as granite.

What's your favorite sink material?   *According to Consumer Report.